Every year, magazines ranging from Cosmo to Consumer Reports give their lists of what’s “in” and what’s “out.” When it comes to housing, what’s in IS what’s out—outdoor living spaces, that is. As the square footage and footprints of homes continue to shrink in size (see Big Trend: Small Homes on page 16), people are finding innovative ways to maximize their living space, and the concept of the “outdoor room” is at the forefront of the movement. Log home…
Brad Norris graduated with a degree in architecture from Auburn University 25 years ago. His early career began with collaborating on projects in Greece, then he returned to the States, making Nashville, Tennessee his home for over two decades. Starting his own firm, Norris Architecture, in 2003, Brad, in his own words, creates “environments that utilize the primary principles of design: utility, durability, and beauty, to produce end results that reflect the unique character of each client.” Norris’s e…
Kevin and Helen Hulick had been living in the New Hampshire countryside, not far from Brattleboro, Vermont, for nearly a decade. They were reasonably comfortable in their modest gray clapboard home, situated at the bottom of a hill on a quiet residential road. “I bought the gray house back in 1986,” says Kevin. “Quite honestly, it was old and cold! Because of its location, at the bottom of the hill where the runoff collected, the foundation had given way over the years and the floors were tilted, defini…
“To say the house left much to be desired is a huge understatement,” says Sonia, “but the astounding view and setting were unparalleled … our hearts were captured at first sight.” Enough so that she and her husband, Scott, were inspired to purchase the Montana property, fully realizing that ahead of them lay lots of creative planning, building costs, and plain old-fashioned elbow grease. At their primary residence in Texas, Scott’s job as a banker keeps him operating at peak performance at all times. Hi…
Before they even knew each other, Mike and Renee Wright had both harbored dreams of someday living in a log cabin. Once they married in 2000, there was no question what kind of home they’d build on their 19 acres in the high valley of Crested Butte, Colorado, to accommodate their growing family, now made up of five kids and two dogs. But this wouldn’t be just any log cabin, explains Mike. “We wanted giant logs for a big, lodgey feel, like the Yellowstone lodge.” Realizing that dream…
Once upon a time there were two lucky kids, a boy and a girl. They didn’t know one another back then, but they shared a common bond. Both were fortunate to belong to families who cherished Wisconsin’s “Northwoods” region, with its bounty of lakes and forests. They may have crossed paths at one of the region’s many summer festivals or waved at one another while water skiing. “Some of our best childhood memories are of times in northern Wisconsin,” says Deb. “Greg’s family regularly vacationed in Spooner;…
When Brenda and Charlie O’Daniels moved away from their longtime residence in Hillsborough County, Florida, after retirement, they longed for wide open spaces where they could watch the sunset every night and their pet horses and donkeys could roam freely. But they didn’t want the burden of maintaining an expansive home for just the two of them. By choosing a small-scale home, the couple was able to create a cozy design that incorporates high-end details often reserved for larger luxury homes. “We …
Childhood memories of family vacations to the western states inspired Jim McKinney to build his dream log home in Jackson, Wyoming, surrounded by panoramic views of the Grand Teton Mountains. When he began planning the home more than five years ago, he personalized every element of the design and décor, using a mix of new and old materials to create an eclectic retreat for relaxing with family and friends. “I wanted this house to look 100 years old when you come in, so we have rusti…
Small log and timber homes display the same creativity and attention to detail as larger homes. Whether the home is all log, reclaimed wood, timber frame, or a hybrid, each has a unique personality. It was love at first sight when we discovered the enchanting home at right. It is a red cedar timber frame perched on a rustic stone foundation; the walls are cordwood construction in which debarked logs of varying dimensions are laid cros…
As a little girl growing up in Merrill, Wisconsin, Sue OKray recalls frequent overnight visits with her great aunt who lived in a small log cottage. Those fond memories—and later taking her husband Tom along for visits—inspired the OKrays’ dream of living in their own log home. “I always felt really safe and comfortable at my aunt’s cottage,” Sue says. “When I started taking my husband there, we both just had a great feeling—we loved the log home.” As for Tom, “I like the…
At the turn of this century, Greg Bain, a second-generation custom homebuilder, embarked with his wife, Clare LaMeres, on a mission to find the finest location on Flathead Lake to build their dream home. No stone would go unturned in their quest to discover the piece of Montana waterfront land that would meet their stringent requirements. Greg and Clare wanted a location that felt secluded and private, preferably an “end of the road” spot, near shopping and conveniences. They also wanted a …
The first feature that stands out in this kitchen is the large island with prep sink and the natural wood bar top placed perpendicular to it. The wood ties the countertop to the overhead beams and cabinetry. Note that the island cabinets are painted distressed wood while the rest are natural. The large stone arch over the stove accommodates the range hood as well as two display shelves. The tile behind the stove complements the cream-colored …
